Coming face to face with Kilimanjaro for Children

Sue Jones raises over R50,000 for Save the Children South Africa and issues a major challenge

You don’t have to be a celebrity to make a difference!

The Health and Nutrition Lead at Save the Children South Africa, Sue Jones, has proved this in her latest mission to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain on earth.

All it took was a roaring passion for a good cause.

As Sue explains, “South African children bear the brunt of domestic violence, crime, abuse, unsafe modes of transport, bullying, rape and many other violations that no child should be forced to endure, on a daily basis. This is what motivated me to take action to make a difference.”

“Climbing the mountain meant that I could attempt to offer each and every one of these children hope and a chance at a better future – a cause that resonates deeply with me.”

“The experience is one I will never forget. I am touched by the generosity that all my supporters have shown and extremely grateful that my brother was able to summit and plant the Save the Children flag on my behalf.”

Sue abandoned her mission on day two when her close friend, who accompanied her on the hike, had to be evacuated from the mountain and taken to a nearby hospital due to a life threatening experience with altitude sickness.

The team at Save the Children South Africa is extremely proud of Sue! To date she has exceeded her fundraising target – raising nearly R75,000. An incredible feat for one individual.

We all have it in us to make a difference. A difference that is so very important in a country where during 2011/12:

50,688 children were victims of violent crime

793 children were murdered

12,645 children were victims of assault

25,862 children were victims of sexual offences

Sue's challenge to you: "Follow in my footsteps and do something great for the children of South Africa! The flag is now with you."

Will you accept this challenge? It only takes a great idea and two minutes to start your own fundraiser!

Save the Children South Africa is a local organisation fighting for the rights of children in South Africa; helping them fulfil their potential and working together with partners to achieve immediate and lasting change in children’s lives. Save the Children South Africa is part of the world’s largest independent development and rights based organisation for children represented in 120 countries worldwide.